The Stephanie Newman Photography Journal

As summer comes to a close and the golden hour light grows softer, there’s a special kind of magic that fills the air—especially when you’re capturing a milestone like a senior portrait session. I had the pleasure of working with Aly for her senior portraits at Ritter Farm Park, a place that’s always been close to my heart.

Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture the joy, love, and unique personalities of each family member—and when a furry friend is part of the equation, the experience becomes even more special! I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Smith family during their summer session at Whitetail Woods in Farmington, Minnesota, alongside their adorable Bernedoodle, Sophie. Together, they created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Whitetail Woods is one of the most picturesque locations in the area, featuring scenic trails, lush greenery, and tranquil ponds that showcase the beauty of nature in summer.

Brook is a great friend of one the seniors I photographed last year, and it was so much fun hanging out with her, her step-mom, Taylor and sister- who I totally thought she was much older than Brook, but I was wrong! I hadn’t done a senior session at Lebanon in the summer time in a long time, so it was kind of fun to go back there and find some fun new spots to take my seniors.

Brook arrived dressed for summer in a stylish, flowy sundress adorned with vibrant colors that echoed the lush greenery around her. The lightweight fabric danced with the breeze, perfectly complementing the carefree spirit of summer. She paired the dress with cute sandals and delicate accessories, striking the right balance between casual and chic. I always encourage seniors to choose outfits that make them feel comfortable and confident, and Brook’s choice was spot on! I also loved the 90’s vibe she brought with her other outfits, including pink colored Chucks! 

As we approach the end of another academic year, the excitement surrounding graduation is palpable, especially for the Class of 2024! This milestone represents not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. To commemorate this special moment, I recently hosted cap and gown mini sessions designed to celebrate our graduating seniors in style.

Earlier this spring when I was advertising for booking summer senior sessions, I got an email from Claire’s mom, Jenny, asking to book a session for Claire. I was soooo excited to hear from her. A couple of years ago I had done Claire’s brother’s senior session, Luke.

As summer draws to a close and the Class of 2024 prepares to embark on the next chapter of their lives, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the unforgettable moments of high school. One standout senior, Isabel, recently had her senior portrait session at Whitetail Woods, capturing the essence of her journey as a vibrant member of the color guard. Nestled in the heart of nature, Whitetail Woods provided the ideal setting for Isabel’s portraits. The lush greenery and stunning landscapes served as a picturesque backdrop, highlighting the beauty of summer. As the golden sun filtered through the trees, it created a warm, inviting glow that perfectly complemented Isabel’s bright personality. Isabel’s dedication to the color guard is evident in her spirit and enthusiasm. As a member of the team, she has spent countless hours practicing choreography, perfecting her technique, and performing at competitions. Her passion for dance and the art of performance shines through in every twirl and spin, making her an inspiring figure among her peers. During the photo session, Isabel brought her color guard flag along, showcasing her love for the sport and adding some extra fun  to the images. 

Just like my own child’s senior year was coming up and me being in denial that he is old enough to be graduating from high school soon. All the feelings and thoughts are copied and pasted for this young lady. This girlie is one of my son’s best friends and one of my bonus children. Luke and G, along with G’s boyfriend, Charlie became fast friends during our church’s Christmas Musical, where the trio played knock off Star Wars characters.

The moment after I led Ryley and her mom to our starting spot for her session and locked in the settings on my camera to start shooting I knew that this was going to be a great session. Little inside info about how I start my senior sessions, is that I ALWAYS have my senior look off to the side and take a test shot. That way they’re not standing there staring at me anxiously. The minute I took Ryley’s test shot and looked at the image, I squealed. And kept squealing with every shot I took afterwards. Which led to some great laughing shots from Ryley. I may or may not have sent a back of camera shot during her session to send to my bestie ( who is also a photographer).

So this senior is my kiddo. I knew this day would come, but I wanted to be in denial about it all. I actaully was nervous about doing his pictures. Don’t ask why. You’d think I’d be more nervous about doing complete stranger’s senior pictures and not my own kid. But I was. I think we may have both been nervous because we were both giggling and laughing a lot the entire time. I wanted to take maybe an hour to do his pictures and we ended up staying out for 2 hours. It probably didn’t help that he was being a sassy teenager.